Tailored Gantry Crane for Sale
Choose Right Gantry Crane: L Frame, A Frame, U Frame Gantry Crane

Compare L, A, and U frame gantry cranes. Learn differences in structure, lifting range, and applications to select the best crane for your workspace.

A gantry crane is one of those machines you don't truly appreciate until you see it at work — quietly lifting dozens of tons of material day after day, keeping projects moving smoothly. Whether in a busy port terminal, a fabrication workshop, or a construction site, gantry cranes play a key role in handling heavy loads efficiently and safely.

Unlike fixed overhead cranes that rely on building structures, gantry cranes stand on their own. They run on rails or wheels and can be placed almost anywhere. That flexibility makes them a favorite for industries that need to move large components — such as containers, steel plates, molds, or machinery — within open yards or temporary work zones.

But not every gantry crane is the same.
Choosing the right frame design and girder configuration can make a big difference in how the crane performs and how easy it is to maintain.

• Frame Design (L, A, or U frame):
  Each frame style suits a different working environment. Some offer better clearance for trucks, while others provide more stability on uneven ground.
• Girder Type (Single or Double):
  The girder setup directly affects the lifting capacity, span, and cost. Single girders are simpler and more economical, while double girders handle heavier loads and higher lifting heights.

This guide breaks down three common designs — the L-frame gantry crane, A-frame gantry crane, and U-frame gantry crane — explaining how each type works, where it fits best, and what kind of projects it supports.

Gantry Crane Basics

Understanding the basics of how a gantry crane works helps you make smarter decisions when choosing the right model for your site.

This means it can be installed:

• Outdoors in ports, shipyards, or container yards
• Indoors in workshops, assembly lines, or warehouses
• On construction sites, even before the building structure is ready

In short, a gantry crane gives you flexibility where permanent installations aren't possible or practical.

How Gantry Cranes Are Classified

Gantry cranes are generally grouped by girder type and frame design, since these two factors determine the crane's capacity, cost, and application.

By Girder Type

• Single Girder Gantry Crane – economical, simpler to install, suitable for lighter loads (usually up to 20 tons).
• Double Girder Gantry Crane – used for heavier lifting, longer spans, and continuous operation (up to several hundred tons).

By Frame Design

• L-Frame Gantry Crane – one inclined leg for wide clearance; best for container handling in ports.
• A-Frame Gantry Crane – classic triangular legs for strength and balance; common in workshops and construction sites.
• U-Frame Gantry Crane – wider legs for oversized items; preferred in shipyards and heavy industrial plants.

Quick Summary

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Gantry Crane Girder Configurations: Single vs. Double Girder

The girder is the backbone of any gantry crane. It carries the load, supports the trolley and hoist, and defines how much weight the crane can lift safely.
Gantry cranes generally come in two main configurations — single girder and double girder — each designed for specific lifting needs and working conditions.

Single Girder Gantry Crane

A single girder gantry crane uses one main beam across the span. It's a simple, practical design that covers most everyday lifting tasks.
Typical Capacity Range: Up to 20 tons, depending on span and hoist type.

European style single girder gantry crane with A frame legs 

Single girder gantry crane with L frame gantry cranes 

Key Features

• Lightweight and easy to install, even in workshops with limited space.
• Cost-effective solution for factories or small outdoor yards.
• Requires less structural support and lower maintenance.

Typical Applications

• Workshops handling motors, molds, or small steel parts.
• Light manufacturing plants with moderate lifting frequency.
• Construction sites where quick setup and relocation are needed.

Advantages in Use

• Simple electrical system, easier to troubleshoot.
• Ideal for manual or semi-automated operation.
• Lower power consumption due to lighter structure.

Is It Right for Your Application?

If you need a crane that's reliable, easy to maintain, and doesn't break the budget, a single girder gantry crane often makes perfect sense.

Double Girder Gantry Crane

A double girder gantry crane has two parallel beams running across the span, giving it greater strength and lifting height. This configuration is used when the work involves heavy loads, long spans, or continuous operation.

Typical Capacity Range: From 20 tons to 550 tons, depending on the design and hoisting system.

double girder gantry crane with A frame gantry crane 

double girder u frame gantry cranes for sale 

Key Features

• Higher lifting height, since the hoist sits between or on top of the girders.
• More stable under large loads and in outdoor environments.
• Capable of handling heavier materials or multiple lifts in one shift.

Typical Applications

• Ports and shipyards, for container handling and ship part assembly.
• Large factories or steel mills, where heavy steel plates or components are moved regularly.
• Fabrication yards, handling machinery, wind tower sections, or metal structures.

Advantages in Use

• Allows auxiliary hoists or dual trolley setups for complex lifting operations.
• Can support automation systems or open winch trolleys for heavy-duty work.
• Provides a longer service life under intensive operation.

Why Choose a Double Girder Gantry Crane?

If you're managing heavy production or outdoor lifting where stability and reach matter, a double girder gantry crane is the go-to choice.

Quick Comparison: Single vs. Double Girder Gantry Cranes

L-Frame vs A-Frame vs U-Frame Gantry Cranes: Which Design Fits Your Worksite Best?

The frame design of a gantry crane shapes how it moves, how it fits into the work area, and how efficiently it handles loads. The three most common frame styles — L-frame, A-frame, and U-frame — each have their own strengths and best-use scenarios.
Let's take a closer look at the first two: L-frame and A-frame gantry cranes, which are among the most widely used in workshops, ports, and outdoor yards.

L-Frame Gantry Crane

An L-frame gantry crane is easily recognized by its unique shape — one leg is straight, and the other is inclined outward, forming an "L."
This asymmetrical design isn't just for looks; it serves a practical purpose. The inclined leg provides extra clearance on one side, allowing trucks, containers, or large cargo to move freely underneath.

Types of L Frame Gantry Cranes

Advantages:

• Wider working space: The slanted leg opens up room for loading and unloading vehicles or containers without obstruction.
• Smooth vehicle access: Trucks can pass close to the leg side, making container handling faster and more convenient.
• Excellent visibility: The open frame improves operator visibility, especially during port operations.
• Optimized for outdoor conditions: Designed to resist side winds and maintain balance even with large suspended loads.

Applications:

• Container yards and port terminals: Perfect for moving, stacking, and transferring containers between transport vehicles.
• Outdoor logistics areas: Suitable for handling steel coils, large equipment, and bulky cargo.
• Storage yards: Used in large open spaces where flexibility and clearance are critical.
  When choosing an L-frame design, pay attention to the clearance width and hook approach distance — they directly affect how efficiently containers or trucks can move through the working area.

Types of A Frame Gantry Cranes

Advantages:

• High stability: The triangular structure prevents swaying, even when lifting heavy or uneven loads.
• Strong yet economical: Offers an excellent balance between strength and cost, with fewer components to maintain.
• Easy to assemble: Commonly used for both fixed and mobile gantry cranes due to its straightforward setup.
• Durable design: Works well in dusty, outdoor, or construction environments with minimal maintenance.

Applications:

• Construction sites: For lifting concrete blocks, rebar bundles, and machinery during installation.
• Workshops and manufacturing plants: Used for assembling parts, moving molds, or handling tools.
• Repair and maintenance bays: Practical for lifting engines, mechanical equipment, or heavy parts.
  For workshop use, consider adjustable A-frame gantry cranes with wheels or height settings. They're easy to move, save floor space, and adapt to different work areas.

U-Frame Gantry Crane

The U-frame gantry crane features a wide, U-shaped frame that provides ample clearance between the legs. Unlike L or A-frame cranes, the legs run nearly parallel, creating a large open space beneath the crane. This makes it ideal for handling oversized or unusually tall loads that require more room than traditional frames can offer.

Types of U Frame Gantry Cranes

Advantages:

• Extra clearance: The wide spacing allows tall or bulky items to pass underneath without obstruction.
• Heavy-duty lifting: Often paired with double girders and open winch trolleys to manage very large loads safely.
• Versatile handling: Suitable for lifting trailers, large machinery, or ship sections with minimal restrictions.
• Enhanced stability: The U-shape distributes the weight evenly, reducing stress on the crane structure even under heavy loads.

Applications:

• Shipbuilding yards: For moving ship components, hull sections, and large assemblies.
• Heavy fabrication plants: Ideal for steel structures, machinery, and large industrial parts.
• Container assembly and industrial yards: Handles oversized containers or specialized cargo that standard frames can't accommodate.
  When selecting a U-frame crane, pay attention to span width and lifting height. These determine whether your oversized equipment or materials can pass comfortably under the crane while keeping operations smooth and safe.

Comparison Summary Table

Before choosing a gantry crane, it helps to have a clear overview of the main frame types. Each frame — L, A, or U — has its own strengths, ideal applications, and girder configurations. Understanding these differences can save time, improve safety, and make sure your crane fits the space and load requirements.

Here's a quick, mobile-friendly reference to help you compare them side by side:

Practical Tip: Use this table as a quick reference when deciding which gantry crane fits your site:
- L-Frame → wide clearance for trucks and containers
- A-Frame → simple, stable, cost-effective
- U-Frame → oversized or heavy components

This format ensures that the key information is easy to read on mobile devices without excessive scrolling or zooming.

Conclusion: Send Us An Inquiry

Choosing the right gantry crane goes beyond just picking a size or lifting capacity. The combination of girder type (single or double) and frame design (L, A, or U) directly affects performance, safety, and long-term operational costs. A well-matched crane ensures smooth material handling, reduces maintenance challenges, and improves overall efficiency.

When selecting a gantry crane, always consider your site layout, load types, and operational environment. For instance:

• L-frame cranes are ideal for ports or container yards with wide clearance needs.
• A-frame cranes fit workshops and construction sites where stability and portability matter.
• U-frame cranes handle oversized or heavy components in industrial and shipbuilding operations.

Work with a professional gantry crane manufacturer to design a tailored solution that fits your industry's requirements. Whether you need an L-frame, A-frame, or U-frame crane, expert guidance ensures you get a safe, efficient, and long-lasting lifting solution.